Gregory Diablo 6

In kicking back up my hydration pack search, I came across the Gregory product line.  I read a ton of reviews and overall the packs get high ratings.  The one "complaint" I saw over and over was that the pack does NOT come w/ a hydration bladder.  While I think this is something the folks at Gregory should consider looking into, I personally wasn't effected or turned away by the bladder-less pack b/c I prefer Source bladders, so I'd be using my own bladder whether the pack came with one or not.  (As a side note:  One of the things that annoys the piss out of me with the Camelbaks is the bladders mold out feverishly.  And yes, I clean my bladders out routinely & as directed.  Since switching to Source I have not experienced the headache of mold & nastiness.  It's AWESOME!)  

Okay back to the point of the post.....Gregory packs....upon my research I determined that the Diablo 6 or the Navarino 12 would be the best fit pack for running (or even cycling, hiking, etc.).  So this post is my review of the DIABLO 6:  I am not paid for my reviews.  These are simply my personal opinions.  But if any company ever wants to send me cool packs to try out, by all means hit me up!!!) 

Pic courtesy of Google Images

Let me first say that I really struggled with which pack to keep (the Diablo 6 or the Navarino 12) b/c I really liked them both.  I even said to myself at one point "screw it, I'm keeping them both".  Then the little voice in my head spoke up to remind me that I'm a poorly paid govt social worker and my budget does not allow for keeping both packs.  :(

The Diablo 6 is a great, simple and comfortable standard pack.  It will carry all the basic necessities & then some (2L bladder, it has great compartments for extra fuel, wipes, first aid kit, maps, rain coat, gloves, hat, snacks, camera or whatever other crap you like to carry with you).  It also has the outside bungee feature (I love this for when I need to pack a rain coat or carry wet/sweaty items).  You can Google "Diablo 6" to read all the ins and outs, but to me one of the best features of this pack is that is comes with two front waist side pockets.  For me this is a great feature b/c when you're running or cycling or whatever, the last thing you want to do is have to take your pack off to get to your fuel, or worse, fight with getting to your fuel by trying to reach blindly around in your pack (which I experienced on numerous runs with my previous pack).  These zippered waist pack pockets are pretty perfect sizing too and they are easy to access.  Initially I didn't think I'd be a fan of having to latch a "waist belt" across my fat rolls, but the Gregory packs offer a generous amount of length on the belts so you can adjust the belt (& the shoulder straps) to wherever feels comfortable for you.  I'd like to also give a high five to the makers of this pack for offering a generous amount of strap length in the sternum/chest strap.  For us ladies with generous size chests, I thank you for this!!!  The sternum/chest strap was another huge issue that I ran into with other packs.  I am excited to finally find a pack that is boob friendly.

Stay tuned for my next post on the Navarino 12...the pack I opted to keep!!!